General Outreach Information

The outreach committee is responsible for all of the outreach programs Michigan Tech SWE offers to schools, the community, and the campus community. SWE's mission is to "Stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity." The outreach committee strives to fulfill this mission by introducing young women and men to engineering and being ambassadors of SWE and Michigan Tech on campus and to the community. Below is an overview of some of the annual programs SWE provides. Feel free to contact the outreach director for more information. SWE is more than willing to cater a program to the needs of a certain group.

Certificate of Merit Program (11-12 Grade)

The furthest reaching program SWE implements is the Certificate of Merit program. This program awards 11th and 12th-grade girls nominated by their school with a certificate of achievement in math and science, in addition to providing them with additional information about careers in engineering, math, and science. Over 200 schools across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota currently participate in the program.

Community & Campus Programs

The Community and Campus chair is responsible for various smaller events and coordinating SWE volunteers for Michigan Tech-sponsored programs. More information about these programs can be found on the Community & Campus page.

• Big Mac Program (4-6 Grade)

  The Big Mac program is always a highlight for 4th-6th grade students. Students learn about engineering, teamwork, and efficiency by creating an assembly line to assemble Big Mac orders with felt burger pieces.

• Girl Scout Workshop (Ages 5-12)

  SWE has coordinated various girl scout badge workshops for girls of all ages. These workshops introduce girls to different careers in engineering in a fun and hands-on way.

• Elderly Outreach

  Every year SWE paints pumpkins and makes Easter baskets to deliver to area retirement and assisted living communities. The residents love receiving these festive decorations and the members of SWE have a fun time making them!

• Michigan Tech-Sponsored Activities

  SWE also partners with various Michigan Tech programs to introduce engineering to middle school and high school students. SWE is involved in the Get WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering) program and Engineering Olympics, among other programs.

Evening With Industry (EWI)

This annual event before the fall career fair provides an opportunity for SWE members and other Michigan Tech students to meet professionals before the career fair in a less intimidating environment. On average, around 40 companies send representatives and over 100 students attend. Proceeds from the event are donated to charity and help to cover SWE conference travel costs.

Fundraising

In addition to Evening With Industry, SWE implements various other charity fundraisers. Every year SWE sell SWEish-Kabobs at Winter Carnival. These tasty treats have been a Winter Carnival tradition for many years! At Spring Fling SWE also sells SWEenie Weenies (Hot Dogs). Another fundraiser during fall semester also conducted, and SWE generally has t-shirts to sell. Currently, SWE is selling "I Heart Boobs" t-shirts to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness.

Social Events

With all the outreach that SWE does, we don't forget to cater inwards as well! SWE holds various social events for its members throughout the year, including movie nights and bowling & billiards gatherings. In addition, SWE participates in Winter Carnival activities such as snow volleyball, ice bowling, broomball, and curling.